Monday, February 16, 2015

Nanaimo Project Benefits From Provincial Funds

VICTORIA – Twenty communities throughout British Columbia will receive more than $3.69 million in BikeBC funding this year to expand and build cycling lanes, trails and paths for B.C. families.

Nanaimo received $120,000 for the Boundary Transportation Improvement Project, a combination of buffered bike lanes and separated cycle track between Northfield Road and Bowen Road .

BikeBC is the Province’s cost-sharing program that helps local governments build cycling projects that attract and support commuter, recreational and tourism cyclists and pedestrians. This year’s investment will generate more than $7.38 million in cycling infrastructure. Since 2001, the B.C. government has committed almost $155 million for cycling infrastructure, creating new bicycle lanes and trails in over 100 communities in the province.

Cycling contributes to increased physical activity and helps reduce greenhouse gases, and this year’s 22 projects cover a wide range, including bike lanes and multi-use trails, as well as improvements to roads and highways, to allow better shared use for cyclists.

During consultations for the new 10-year transportation plan, BC on the Move, the ministry heard that enhanced cycling infrastructure and improved transportation choices are important to British Columbians. Many local governments and community organizations indicated that increased participation in cycling and walking programs and improvements to cycling and pedestrian trails and networks are among their highest priorities.